Experts
Nutrition - March
Dietitian Sharon Natoli answers your questions about food and nutrition.
Across the board
Q: What's the best way to ensure a bacteria-free chopping board?
MK, Ballina, NSW
A: Use separate boards and utensils for raw and cooked food, thoroughly wash your knife and board in warm soapy water, rinse in hot water and allow to dry.
It doesn't matter what type of chopping boards you use, as long as they're kept clean, and they should be replaced when the surface is very scratched because bacteria can hide in the scratches. Nasty!
Cordial behaviour
Q: Does cordial count towards my water intake?
JF, Dunlop, ACT
A: All fluids, including milk, tea, fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages count towards your daily fluid intake (the exception is alcohol, which actually depletes the body of fluid). Of course, that doesn't mean eight glasses of Coke is a top idea.
If you're watching your weight, you need to take into account the additional kilojoules in cordials. Try low-joule varieties or instead, add a squeeze of fresh orange, lime or lemon and mint leaves
to your water.
B healthy
Q: I just found out I'm deficient in vitamin B12 but I don't like red meat. Why do we need B12 and what should I eat?
HM, Gawler, SA
A: Vitamin B12 helps form and regenerate red blood cells, produce genetic material and maintain a healthy nervous system. It's only in animal-derived foods, but as well as meat, good sources are eggs, seafood, cheese, yoghurt and milk. Vegans should take supplements or have B12‑fortified foods or drinks.
Across the board
Q: What's the best way to ensure a bacteria-free chopping board?
MK, Ballina, NSW
A: Use separate boards and utensils for raw and cooked food, thoroughly wash your knife and board in warm soapy water, rinse in hot water and allow to dry.
It doesn't matter what type of chopping boards you use, as long as they're kept clean, and they should be replaced when the surface is very scratched because bacteria can hide in the scratches. Nasty!
Cordial behaviour
Q: Does cordial count towards my water intake?
JF, Dunlop, ACT
A: All fluids, including milk, tea, fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages count towards your daily fluid intake (the exception is alcohol, which actually depletes the body of fluid). Of course, that doesn't mean eight glasses of Coke is a top idea.
If you're watching your weight, you need to take into account the additional kilojoules in cordials. Try low-joule varieties or instead, add a squeeze of fresh orange, lime or lemon and mint leaves
to your water.
B healthy
Q: I just found out I'm deficient in vitamin B12 but I don't like red meat. Why do we need B12 and what should I eat?
HM, Gawler, SA
A: Vitamin B12 helps form and regenerate red blood cells, produce genetic material and maintain a healthy nervous system. It's only in animal-derived foods, but as well as meat, good sources are eggs, seafood, cheese, yoghurt and milk. Vegans should take supplements or have B12‑fortified foods or drinks.
Sharon Natoli is a practising dietitian, media identity and founder and director of Food and Nutrition Australia.
Send your food questions to Sharon here
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